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MEAN CREEK (2004) (***1/2)

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The topic of this film isn’t revolutionary -- its been done more complexly before. However, the well-observed characters from first time feature director and writer Jacob Aaron Estes make this film intriguing and captivating.

Sam (Rory Culkin, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME) is a young teen on the smaller side. He is often beat up by classmate George (Josh Peck, SPUN), a slow, heavy kid. Sam and his older brother Rocky (Trevor Morgan, JURASSIC PARK III) joke around about beating up George. Sam’s girlfriend Millie (Carly Schroeder, TV’s PORT CHARLES) even asks him if he could snap his fingers and George would drop dead would he do it. The sensitive Sam struggles with this moral question.

However, Rocky’s best friend Marty (Scott Mechlowicz, EUROTRIP) is clearer about what he thinks should be done. So the group, including bullied friend Clyde (Ryan Kelley, STOLEN SUMMER), set out on a boat trip, inviting George along with the premise that it’s Sam’s birthday, with the intention of playing a humiliating prank on the bully.

This set-up creates a complex tapestry of moral dilemmas, which surface as truths come out and natures are revealed. The best character in the film is George. Peck handles the role well and the observation of the character is brilliant. He can be nice and he can be an annoying jerk. He also has a problem knowing when to just shut up. Yet, the best performance in the film comes from Schroeder, who presents her character naturally and with complexity.

Though the subject matter can be saddening at times, this film isn’t without its happy moments. Sam and Rocky’s relationship is heartwarming. Sam and Millie’s budding romance is sweet. Estes astutely remembers key details of growing up and injects them into the film adding realism and a bit of wonderful nostalgia. This is a thought-provoking film, tightly constructed and well-executed.

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Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks